If you love baseball, you’re in the right place! The Valley of the Sun is home to 10 stadiums and 15 Cactus League Spring Training teams, which means there’s always game nearby in March. And with a Valley-wide network of multi-lane freeways, all the stadiums are an easy drive from Scottsdale. Over the next few weeks we will cover events as well as food and the best places to explore in Arizona. If you can't attend this year be sure to mark your calendar for next year.
It’s hard to believe that the Scottsdale Stadium still sits on the same corner where the original wooden bandbox was built in 1955. Originally opened by the Baltimore Orioles in 1956, Scottsdale Stadium has served as the spring training home for more teams than any other Cactus League facility.
Spring Training in Arizona has been a tradition for devoted fans since 1947. Scottsdale is home to the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, and Arizona Diamondbacks. The San Francisco Giants play in the heart of downtown Scottsdale at Scottsdale Stadium. A short drive north the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks play at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, along Scottsdale’s border with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
For baseball fans, it’s like a dream come true. Imagine a place where, every day for a whole month, you can choose between as many as eight to 10 Major League Baseball games being played by 15 teams in 10 of the most intimate ballparks in the country. This dreamlike scenario unfolds every spring in Scottsdale and the Phoenix metro area, beginning in mid-February when pitchers and catchers report to their respective teams’ spring training camps, and runs through the end of March with more than 200 games on the Cactus League schedule.
Step Into History
Since the earliest days of spring training baseball in Arizona, downtown Scottsdale has been a sought-after destination for Major League players, coaches, executives, umpires and fans. You can literally walk in the footprints of Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Ernie Banks and Dizzy Dean by stopping at some of their favorite Scottsdale hangouts along the Cactus League Legacy Trail. The Legacy Trail is a self-guided tour of various hitching posts and watering holes that share a lengthy association with spring training baseball here in town. Learn more at www.ExperienceScottsdale.com/Events/Legacy-Trail
You're Out!
Or at least when you're out of the game, the average baseball game lasts about three hours, which means you’ll have plenty of time to explore Scottsdale’s unique line-up of outdoor adventures, championship golf courses, award-winning spas and major-league attractions.
With a length of just over a mile and a half, downtown Scottsdale is easily walkable. But, if you’d like to get around a little more quickly, or get to some of our neighboring communities, hop on one of the free downtown trolleys.
The free Downtown Trolley is a fun and easy way to explore all of downtown. The trolley stops in all of downtown’s colorful neighborhoods. Available year-round, it operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily and there is a trolley every 10 minutes.
Come support your team during 2016 spring training!
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Need to travel on business or leisure, Rawhide Travel and Tours will make it happen. We will arrange your flights, rail, hotel, car rentals and cruises. Let us assist you in planning your upcoming business trip. We're also available to help you plan that exciting vacation.
Let us be your guide to the Caribbean, we know the best hotels, all-inclusive resorts, cruises, snorkeling, beach resorts and activities in the clear warm waters surrounding those wonderful islands.
There's no better way to relax, unwind and enjoy some one-on-one time with the one you love than with a romantic couples' massage. Take a break from the norm on your vacation and dive into a few unique adventures you've likely never heard of before.
One of Kingston’s Jamaica's newest treasures is the Serendipity Holistic Resort & Spa hidden in the Blue Mountains. This is one of those “see to believe” spots, with natural pools, a waterfall and river flowing through its grounds. Transform as the serenity of this space washes over you, and fall deeper into bliss as you get a massage, take a yoga class or just sit and meditate surrounded by nature. If you’re thinking about planning a retreat or taking a few days to yourself, this is where you need to be. And if you can’t make it up the hill, you can still find your escape in the heart of New Kingston at The Spa in the Spanish Court Hotel.
Want a small hotel or a luxury resort? Let Rawhide Travel and Tours customize the perfect spot just for you! We have many choices. Let Us Help You Get Lost.
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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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Muggles and wizards, rejoice! After a long day of quidditch and fending off the dark arts, there's a new place to enjoy a cold Butterbeer.
Universal Studios Hollywood is offering sneak peeks of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter before it opens to the public April 7. There's something for every Harry Potter fan at the new attraction, which brings to life the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade Village.
A short walk past Hogsmeade station and Honeydukes sweet shop leads to Three Broomsticks restaurant and HogsHead pub, the site of a media taste testing Wednesday night to show off the British-inspired menu. Those expecting dishes straight from the books such as stoat sandwiches, corned beef, and steak and kidney pie might be disappointed, but the menu pays a worthy tribute to hearty pub staples such as shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips.
But if you have a hankering for Butterbeer, the butterscotch-flavored drink enjoyed by Harry and his friends, they serve it here.
Imagine Cheerful servers greeting guests at the door of HogsHead pub with glasses of non alcoholic Butterbeer, which in the real world bears a strong resemblance to a creamsicle. Hog's Head brew is available in three varieties from behind the bar, which faithfully replicates the pub chosen by Ron and Hermione as the secret meeting place of Dumbledore's Army.
The pub is adjacent to Three Broomsticks, a rustic tavern of heavy wooden tables and chairs within the cavernous vaulted ceiling. In the rafters, suitcases and steamer trunks sit outside doors leading to lodging rooms at the wizard's inn. Relics that only real fans will recognize hang from the walls.
Much of the menu borrows from its East Coast counterpart, which opened nearly two years ago at Universal Studios Orlando, but there are a few new dishes on hand at the new location. By far, the most memorable one is the Butterbeer potted cream dessert served in a small pot. The chocolate-flavored option brings to mind a mousse, but the Butterbeer option will have you on a sugar high like no other.
Surprise hits of the menu were soups in four varieties -- ale and cheese, corn, potato and leek, and Guinness stew -- served faithfully with a side of soda bread. Vegetarian options such as cabbage and roasted vegetables are also on hand.
Those looking for delicacies truly inspired by the books should hold out for sweet shop Honeydukes, where chocolate-covered frogs and jelly beans in a variety of flavors will be available.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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Most vacationers flying into Jamaica are booked into one of the resorts lining the island's northern coast. These guests may leave the hotel properties for an excursion or two to iconic sights such as Dunn's River Falls, but many vacationers are content to simply relax by the pool only steps away from the buffet. This is unfortunate, because Jamaica's true charms are found through chance encounters beyond the walls of the large resorts.
It takes an adventurous spirit to experience the true spirit of Jamaica, but the rewards are worth it. Less visited areas like Port Antonio and the south coast can give you a glimpse of what the Caribbean was like before the advent of mass tourism.
Over the last few years, the road system in Jamaica has been vastly improved, making it much more feasible to tackle an independent journey. Those who are apprehensive about renting a car and setting off on their own can always hire a driver to get them from Point A to Point B.
Port Antonio
Port Antonio is on the eastern side of Jamaica's north shore, 120 miles from Montego Bay's International Airport. This distance has isolated it from mainstream tourism, which many will say is a huge plus for the region. The pace is slow, the hillside lush and green and the beaches are secluded. There's also a range of hotels that fit a variety of travel budgets, including boutique properties.
A visit to Port Antonio can include waterfall hikes, bird watching, swimming in the turquoise ocean, and dining on authentic jerk cooking — many Jamaicans claim the best jerk cooking can be found in the roadside stands along Boston Bay.
Romantic couples will want to book a rafting trip upon the Rio Grande. There's nothing whitewater about the experience. This is a gentle, scenic ride along a river edged with towering trees. The raft only holds two passengers and is guided by an individual raft captain. For an extra boost to the romantic mood, there's also the option for a nighttime trip, when the moon is full.
Southwestern Jamaica
Those looking for slightly less isolation should consider exploring southwestern Jamaica, just a 90-minute drive from Montego Bay. Jamaica's southwestern coast lacks an international airport, and much like Port Antonio, the region is less accessible to mass tourism. For an immersive experience, travelers will want to book a few nights in one of the region's hotels.
Major southwestern coast sights include a safari excursion on the Black River, where crocodiles can be observed; a tour of the historic Appleton Rum Estate (including a tasting) and kicking back at YS Falls, where visitors can hurl themselves over a waterfall pool via a Tarzan swing. Be sure to make time for a visit to Treasure Beach, site of Lovers Leap, a 1,600-foot sea cliff where two star-crossed Jamaican slaves leapt to their deaths rather than be separated.
Mandeville & Central Jamaica
Think of Jamaica and it's inevitable that white-sand beaches and bright blue waters will come to mind. Land-locked Mandeville in Central Jamaica is something else altogether. Mandeville is 64 miles west of Jamaica's capital city of Kingston, and is the island's only major city not located on the coast or on a river. Mandeville boasts the Caribbean's oldest golf course, the Manchester Golf Club, dating back to 1868. There's a pronounced English vibe to Mandeville. Driving through a visitor may see a cricket game in progress. They'll also have the option of dipping into an English-style pub to hoist a pint.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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Chicken for dinner might not seem very adventurous, but of all the Jamaican style meals it is the most prevalent here in the U.S. If something in this recipe isn't to your liking, changes can occur. For instance, you can omit the cilantro if you don't care for it or use less nutmeg and more cloves; the possibilities are endless. Just be sure you use caution when working with habaneros. Rubber gloves would be ideal.
Ingredients
1 large red onion
3 cloves garlic
1 habanero pepper, seeded
1 tablespoon fresh ginger root
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Directions
In a food processor, combine onion, garlic, habanero pepper, and ginger. Pulse until ingredients are minced. Blend in olive oil, brown sugar, vinegar, orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cilantro, salt, and pepper. In a container, combine marinade with chicken. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil grate.
Grill chicken for 10 minutes per side, or until no longer pink and juices run clear.
Preparation - 30 minutes
Cooking - 30 minutes
Ready In 1 day and 1 hour
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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Jamaica is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea, comprising the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles. The island, 4,240 square miles in area, lies about 90 miles south of Cuba, and 119 miles west of Hispaniola, the island containing the nation-states of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica is the fifth-largest island country in the Caribbean. It's easy to get to Jamaica (flights are frequent and relatively cheap) and easier still to find a resort destination for just about every type of traveler: romantic Negril for honeymooners, family-friendly Montego Bay, busy Ocho Rios for cruisers. What's harder is finding an all-inclusive hotel that doesn't sequester you in its own cocoon at the expense of exploring the Jamaican culture beyond.
Cities
Is there anything better than stretching out like a cat in a warm patch of Jamaican sun? Only if you sprinkle your island vacation with a dash of adventure. Known fondly as “the land of wood and water,” Jamaica’s forests feature prime hiking and bird watching. History buffs can explore the heritage sites of Trelawny, while reggae and dancehall fans will love the authentic music clubs of Kingston. Montego Bay is perfect for snorkeling and shopping, while the spas of Ocho Rios can make any stresses melt away.
Montego Bay, the capital of St. James Parish on Jamaica’s north coast, is a major cruise ship port with numerous beach resorts and golf courses outside its commercial core. Popular beaches include Doctor’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach, home to an amusement park. There’s snorkeling and diving at coral reefs in the protected waters of Montego Bay Marine Park.
Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island. Squeezed between the Blue Mountains and the world’s seventh-largest natural harbor, Kingston simultaneously impresses you with its setting and overwhelms you with its size, noise and traffic. This is the island’s cultural and economic heart. A visit to Kingston is essential to taste the rich excitement of modern Jamaica.
Trelawny is a beautiful, serene region in northern Jamaica – it stretches from the powder-fine sands of Braco Beach to the old coastal town of Falmouth 20-minutes’ drive away. In between are dozens of working sugar estates and idyllic sandy bays. And just inland are the mountain ridges, valleys and caves of Cockpit Country, Jamaica’s largest rainforest.
Points of Interest
Dunn's River Falls is a famous waterfall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica and a major Caribbean tourist attraction that receives thousands of visitors each year.
The Bob Marley Museum is a museum in Kingston, Jamaica, dedicated to the reggae musician Bob Marley. The museum is located at 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6, and is Bob Marley's former place of residence
Dolphin Cove Jamaica is a marine attraction in Jamaica at which guests can swim and interact with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays in their natural environment.
The Blue Mountains are the longest mountain range in Jamaica. They include the island's highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, at 2256 m. From the summit, accessible via a walking track, both the north and south coasts of the island can be seen.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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In true 21st-century style, the Dutch post-Impressionist's bedroom is available on Airbnb. No unfortunately it is not the one in the "Yellow House" in Arles, France. This room is located in Chicago, where an exhibition devoted to the artist's quest for home opened on Sunday February 14th. As part of a promotional campaign, The Art Institute of Chicago commissioned a recreation of the famous room, which rents for just $10 a night in Chicago's River North neighborhood.
The museum hopes to bring fresh eyes and fresh perspective to the painting, which has long been an icon of their permanent collection. "Van Gogh's Bedrooms," running from February 14 through May 10 at the Art Institute, focuses on three paintings Van Gogh created of the room in Arles between 1888 and 1889. More than 30 additional works round out the exhibit. Availability is tight for the Airbnb room, so the museum is taking bookings in blocks that it's announcing via Twitter and Facebook.
The $10 nightly rate includes tickets to the exhibition. There's also a to-scale replica of the bedroom within the exhibition itself. That replica is part of an immersive experience featuring music and scrolling images and text. At this time it appears that it is completely sold out.
Airbnb is a well known website for people to list, find, and rent lodging. It has over 1,500,000 listings in 34,000 cities and 190 countries.
So if you want to see the museum while visiting Chicago please let us help you with your conventional travel arrangements. We can find the right combination of air, hotel and car rental for that perfect business or leisure trip.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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If all you see of Aruba is the over populated resort area, then you are missing out on Aruba.
California Lighthouse
The California Lighthouse is located near Arashi Beach on the northwest tip of Aruba. This lighthouse was named for the steamship California, which was wrecked nearby on September 23, 1891. Constructed in 1910, on a high seaside elevation, the lighthouse has become one of Aruba's scenic trademarks and offers a picture perfect view of the island's western coastline of sandy beaches, rocky coral shorelines and of the beautifully landscaped golf course Tierra del Sol. Immediately adjacent to the lighthouse is a restaurant called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco (English: The White Lighthouse Restaurant), and also nearby is the Tierra del Sol Resort, Spa & Country Club. It is possible to sight a herd of wild goats just south of the lighthouse. The terrain there is moon like with sharp rocks sticking out of the ground, making it difficult for people to walk on without sturdy footwear. Also adjacent to the lighthouse are the California Sand Dunes which offer loads of family fun or a hand-in-hand starry-eyed stroll to the secluded coastline. Any time of day or night is a great time to visit the lighthouse for a 360 degree view, but the sunset is hands down the right time of day to be there as the big orange ball of fire gently dips into the Caribbean Sea.
Wariruri Natural Bridge
Mother Nature carved a picturesque natural bridge just to the right of the Wariruri beach. This sand cove is found along Aruba’s rocky north shore, attracting local surfers as well as fishermen who cast their lines from the bordering limestone cliffs. Wariwuri is accessible by following the dirt road north towards the Bushiri Gold Mill Ruins.
Gold mines
In the 1400's and 1500's, adventurers traveled throughout the Caribbean in search of wealth and treasures. According to legend, one of these treasure islands was named "Oro Ruba," which means "red gold." Now known as Aruba, a colorful history of gold prospectors has shaped the island's history. Today, remnants of this history can still be experienced.
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
On the northern coast, midway down the island, sits the abandoned gold mill that once processed ore from mines in the nearby hills during Aruba's gold rush of the nineteenth century. In 1824, gold was finally discovered in Aruba, and eventually, the industry produced more than 3 million pounds of gold.
Balashi Gold Mill Ruins
The Balashi Gold Mill was built at the tip of the Spanish Lagoon. Remnants of this once bustling mill are still visible in the picturesque setting near the narrow canyon of rocks known as Frenchman's Pass.
Caves
Who would have thought that these two caves, renowned in folklore as the site where two lovers burst through rock and into heaven, would be so dark, damp, gritty and full of bats. The Guadirikiri Caves, located in Arikok National Park are two of the larger ancient caves in Aruba that allow you to actually enter and see some cave drawings. Guides are available at certain times and greatly improve the experience. Don't be afraid of the bats in the cave, they are fruit bats and will have no interest in you, however they are beautiful creatures to behold.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
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A family favorite from the Caribbean. This recipe does involve some time, but the time and effort are worth it! Besides the meat, you may also like to use chunks of cheese in the pastry rounds too! Be sure edges are sealed well, or else they could come apart during frying; especially the cheese!
Ingredients:
Dough:
4 cups of flour
1 Tablespoon of baking powder
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 Tablespoon vegetable shortening
2 Tablespoon margarine
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg beaten
1 cup of water
Put all ingredients into a large bowl except water. Mix well. Add water, a little bit at a time to form dough. When the dough is pliable, knead it well.
Prepare the meat filling as follows:
1 pound finely chopped beef without fat
1 Tablespoon margarine
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 small green sweet pepper, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 Tablespoon raisins
1 Tablespoon piccalilli
Hot red pepper, finely chopped, to taste; preferably Madame Jeanette
Soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, cumin, nutmeg, to taste
Directions:
In large frying pan combine all ingredients except beef. Cook over medium heat, stirring till well combined and onion and celery are soft. Add beef and cook till well combined while stirring.
Roll the dough into a very thick sheet, then cut out circles about three inches in diameter. Place one tablespoon filling in the center of one pastry circle. Top it with a second circle. Lightly moisten edges and press the circles together. Fold or roll the edges over slightly and flute them as pie crust. Fry the pastechis in deep, hot vegetable oil until golden brown. They may be prepared in advance and heated in the oven just before serving.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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Aruba, a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, has dry, sunny weather, blond beaches and gentle surf. Constant trade winds keep things cool and cause the divi-divi trees to slope southwesterly. European influence shows in both its architecture, in which Dutch gables mingle with tropical pastels, and language, with English, Dutch and Spanish spoken alongside the local tongue, Papiamento.
Aruba enjoys one of the highest number of repeat visitors in the Caribbean & is the perfect destination for your wedding, honeymoon, family vacation or romantic getaway. Located outside the fringes of the hurricane belt, Aruba enjoys more sunny days than any other Caribbean island.
Submarine Expedition
Experience Aruba's most unique underwater attraction aboard an Atlantis Submarine! Suitable for all ages, your trip aboard the world's first and most technologically advanced passenger submarine takes you into a spectacular blue world in spacious air-conditioned comfort without getting wet!
Your 1 hour 50 minute (actual time in the submarine is 60 minutes) adventure begins in downtown Oranjestad, when you board Atlantis' surface vessel. Once aboard the submarine, moored just off the south-east coast of Aruba, you'll go for a thrilling dive to the Barcadera Reefs and view two shipwrecks.Along with these fascinating wrecks, you will have fabulous views of the exotic marine life, including colorful schools of tropical fish, huge sponge gardens and beautiful fields of coral.This unique experience is accompanied by an educational and entertaining narration provided by the experienced, professional licensed crew. And at the end of your once-in-a-lifetime voyage, you will receive an official dive certificate as proof that you have participated in the incredible experience that has thrilled over six million passengers.
Eagle Beach
Fronting a stretch of the Low-Rise Resorts just northwest of Oranjestad, Eagle is a long stretch of white sand that regularly makes lists of the best in the world. Portions have shade trees and you can obtain every service you need here, from a lounger to a cold drink.
Off Road Adventure
Spend a day exploring the countryside of Aruba on this Natural Pool Off-Road Safari! You'll take the back roads of Aruba as you explore historic sights on the island, including the Natural Pool, the California Lighthouse and the Natural Bridge. A off-road safari is a must-do while in Aruba!
Explore the unique beauty and landscape of Aruba on this half-day off-road safari! After pickup from your hotel, your land rover will take you out into the countryside of Aruba. Learn about the history and wildlife of Aruba from your local guide as you trek to the Natural Pool. You'll pass by the California lighthouse, where you'll have a perfect view of the island's western coastline of sandy beaches and coral shorelines. You'll visit the location where the Natural Bridge once stood. Formed by years of erosion from the sea, the coral rock bridge stretched around 100 feet (30 m). Your guide will provide you with water and snacks so you won't go hungry before reaching the Natural Pool.
Once you reach the Natural Pool, you'll enjoy some time in the water. Located on a deserted stretch of coastline, the Natural Pool is a unique formation of rock and volcanic stone which create a tranquil pool. Here, you'll have the option to swim, snorkel or relax in the sun before heading back to your hotel.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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More than just the Country Music Capital of the World, Nashville, TN is a city that typifies the American Heartland. We offer two intriguing cruises, Nashville to St. Louis and Memphis to Nashville that journey along the Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers, showing off the rustic beauty of lands virtually untouched since the early days of American history. These cruises offer the distinct sounds of Nashville, St. Louis and Memphis, three of the country's most important music centers. Is it time for you to cruise America's Heartland rivers? River cruises are a very special kind of adventure.
Personal Service is a hallmark of distinction for American Cruise Lines. Each member of their staff is ready to create an exceptional cruise experience for you. Their guiding principle is simple; if it’s important to you, it’s important to them. An all-American crew will get to know you by name and quickly learn your preferences. They may even surprise you with your favorite snack when you return to the ship after a day of exploring the local culture. Their culinary team is ready to serve you the finest local cuisine plus your personal menu favorites, while meeting all dietary requirements.
Let them help you celebrate a special event in unforgettable style. Or, invite your friends to join you for dinner aboard the ship when they dock near them.
Cumberland River Cruise
The American heartland is a storied region steeped in history and culture. Relax on a first-class paddlewheeler as you pass rolling farmlands and tree-lined riverbanks as the leaves begin to change in September. Enjoy guided shore excursions including a tour of the River Heritage Museum in Paducah, KY and a walking tour of Chester, IL, situated atop the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley offering unparalleled views.
Ports of Call - Nashville, TN - Clarksville TN - Dover, TN - Lake Barkley, KY - Paducah, KY - Cape Girardeau, MO - Chester, IL - St. Louis, MO
Memphis to Nashville Cruise
A journey from Memphis to Nashville not only retraces the voyages of intrepid pioneers of American history but also features two cities known for great contributions to our nation's music heritage. From the rhythm and blues of Memphis to the bluegrass country style of Nashville, this river cruise traverses the Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers offering amazing scenery and lively entertainment. Explore the fascinating history of Cape Girardeau and its significance in the American Civil War and learn about the art of wine making during a visit to Clarksville.
Ports of Call - Memphis, TN - Cape Girardeau, MO - Paducah, KY - Dover, TN - Clarksville, TN - Nashville, TN
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
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On Tuesday easyJet announced plans to trial the use of hydrogen fuel cells on their planes.
The concept, which could convert their entire fleet of ordinary planes into hybrids without having to purchase new aircraft, could save a potential 50,000 tons of fuel and corresponding CO2 emissions each year.
The concept relies on hydrogen fuel cells which would be stored in the aircraft hold, and would allow a plane to taxi to and from the runway without using any fuel.
Considerable Savings
The cells would capture energy from the aircraft braking on landing, and would charge lightweight batteries when the plane is on the ground, negating the aircraft's need to use jet fuel when taxiing.
As 4% of the airline's fuel is consumed during taxiing, that comes out as a considerable saving. Ian Davies, easyJet's head of engineering, says the short-haul, budget carrier is particularly well-placed to trial this technology.
easyJet's pilots would also have total control of the aircraft speed, direction and breaking during taxiing, thanks to a combination of power electronic systems and power motors in the aircraft's main wheels, meaning there would be no need for tugs to maneuver the aircraft around the runway.
The Only Waste Is Clean Water
If they can taxi at the end of the runway without starting engines, the whole experience will change at the airport. They'll be more quiet, more pollution-free, and more socially responsible as well.
The only waste the hydrogen fuel cell would produce would be clean water, which easyJet could theoretically use to refill the aircraft's water system.
People use water on board for flushing toilets and washing their hands. If there's a way they can utilize the water byproduct from the cells, they would like to find a no-waste solution.
Hydrogen technology has come a long way in the last five years, both in terms of how it's stored and how it's generated, notes Davies, which is what's enabling easyJet and other companies in the aviation industry to employ it in the push to bring down CO2 emissions.
There'll be a point when the price of fuel goes back up, and it will be cheaper to produce hydrogen than it will be to produce aviation fuel.
The Timeline
Though EasyJet plans to trial the technology this year, Davies notes it's a long road ahead before the full EasyJet fleet will be carrying the cells.
There will be a three- to five-year proof of concept, and after that they are hopeful that they can persuade mainstream manufacturers to adopt it in the next five to 15 years.
This hybrid concept's part of easyJet's goal to reduce its fuel emissions by 7% by 2020, but it's not the only measure the airline's taking.
Davies says that in the last three years, the airline has already reduced weight on board by more than one ton (and less weight equals less fuel).
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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In St. Martin crossing from the Dutch side of the island to the French side is effortless. Travelers will find similarities between the two, with both emphasizing world-class shopping and fine cuisine. Visitors will have to dig a little if they want to find the road less taken.
Ras Bushman's Freedom Fighter's Ital Shack
Diners with a sense of adventure can go to this tiny restaurant tucked in among the greenery of the hillside, just off a major road. The word "ital' is associated with the Rastafarian-based lifestyle, which emphasizes natural ingredients in cooking. The brightly-painted Ital Shack is on the small side with only 18 seats, but it serves up major helpings of positive vibes. Ras Bushman's organic vegan dishes are prepared with produce grown on his farm, just behind the restaurant. The Ital Shack also serves fresh juices made from healthy ingredients, like ginger, sorrel, soursop, and passion fruit. If the tables are filled, there's extra room on benches in the open air, where diners are surrounded by blooming flowers and fruit trees.
Cupecoy Beach & Cove
Europeans famously have a more relaxed view of nudity than most Americans, and topless and nude beaches are common throughout Europe. The same holds true for the Dutch and French controlled St. Martin. The most famous of these beaches is Orient Bay, where most of the fully-clad tourists go to investigate and rubberneck.
Located on the southwest side of the island in St. Martin, clothing-optional Cupecoy Beach is less visited and has a series of sea-level caves along the golden-sand beach. If vacationers have their own vehicle, they can park in the public lot on the shore road. There's usually a roadside vendor renting beach chairs and umbrellas, and selling cold drinks and grilled snacks.
L'Escargot Restaurant
Even though the restaurant is on the Dutch side of the island, its spirit is nine parts Caribbean Creole finished off with a healthy helping of Gallic joie de vivre. While the food is superb, the night really comes alive when the floor-show starts. It's hard to say what has more attitude at L'Escargot – the garlicky, perfectly prepared snails or the saucy ladyboys who take the stage. The restaurant's revue of female impersonators dance and lip-synch their way through tunes by Christina Aguilera, Donna Summer, and Cher.
Tintamarre Island
It's impossible to coordinate the actions of wild creatures, but if a traveler has the yen to snorkel among sea turtles, they should head to Tintamarre Island. The 80-acre island used to be famous for its volcanic mud baths, which claimed to leave the skin super smooth. While that activity has been curtailed, the sea turtles are still a draw and it's possible to book a regularly scheduled snorkeling tour.
Tintamarre has an unusual history: it was at one time owned by a Dutchman who built his own airstrip. A combination of calamities, including a hurricane, put an end to residency on the island. Travelers can explore the uninhabited island, which includes the ghostly remains of abandoned planes on the airstrip.
Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit is not off-the-beaten path – in fact, it's smack dab in the middle of the beaten path, being situated on Front St., where vacationers flock to shop the duty-free stores. The exhibit is a true fish out of water, being a museum of sorts dedicated to a confusing array of exhibits. Many showcase memorabilia from Hollywood blockbusters including Men in Black, The Terminator and Star Wars. Mixed in with these items are life casts of the faces of Hollywood stars. The owner of the attraction is Nick Maley, the creator of some of Hollywood's most celebrated special effects, including the creation of Yoda, hence the name for the attraction. Chances are vacationers didn't come to St. Maarten to see The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit; chances are equally strong they won't forget it either.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Cashew crusted Atlantic salmon fillet, with wok fried Baby Bok Choy in Oyster Sauce, how does that sound to you? What is the freshest food on an island? Fish of course. We have one of the finest recipes to come out of St. Martin, this tasty fish dish is sure to inspire.
Ingredients:
6-8 ounce Salmon Fillet
3 cups fresh chopped Cashew Nuts
Honey Mustard Sauce:
1/2 cup Yellow Mustard
1/2 cup Dijon Mustard
1 Clove Minced Garlic
3 tablespoons Honey
Salt and Pepper to taste
Combine all the ingredients
2 heads of Baby Bok Choy
6 tablespoons Oyster Sauce
Canola Oil
1 teaspoon Minced Ginger
1 Clove Minced Garlic
Directions:
Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper then brush with honey mustard and roll them in the crushed cashew. Heat a skillet to moderate heat and place the fillets skin side up in the skillet. Pan fry on low heat for 4 minutes and place in a preheated oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile cut the leaves off the head of Bok Choy; rinse them and blanch for 2 minutes.
Heat a wok or skillet at moderate heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the ginger and the garlic. Stir fry for 1/2 minute, then add the Bok Choy and continue to stir fry on high heat for 2 minutes. Add the oyster sauce and 3 tablespoons water and simmer for a minute. Serve with Basmati Rice mixed with some fresh Dill and enjoy!
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Get the experience of visiting two island colonies in the same 37 square miles. Saint Martin's spicy marriage of Caribbean, French and Dutch cultures matches its physical diversity: the island is both urban and untamed, with rain forest-like landscapes, white beaches, and amazing caves and wildlife. St. Martin is an island in the northeast Caribbean, approximately 190 miles east of Puerto Rico. The island is divided roughly 60/40 between France ( 20 square miles) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands ( 13 square miles); the two parts are roughly equal in population though, with slightly more people living on the Dutch side.
If there's any complaint about this part-French, part-Dutch island-piled high with nightclubs, restaurants, and resorts, it's that there's too much of everything. St. Martin's Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewelry, drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and casinos. The island's French side is known for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and French and Indian Caribbean cuisine. Also on the French side, the 154-acre private nature reserve Loterie Farm continues to grow, adding poolside cabanas to its zip-line course, hiking trails, and other outdoorsy amenities. And following a 13-year effort, the Man of War Shoal reef earned certification as a marine park, giving divers new reasons to take the plunge.
Water sports abound all over, diving, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing are all top draws. And it's easy to while away the day relaxing on one of the 37 beaches, strolling the boardwalk of Dutch-side Philipsburg, and exploring the very French town of Marigot. Although luck is an important commodity at St. Maarten's 13 casinos, chance plays no part in finding a good meal at the island’s excellent eateries.
Man of War Shoal Reef
The Man of War Shoal National Marine Park, is located off the southern shore of the island of St. Maarten. The park protects a range of habitats from globally threatened coral reefs and seagrass beds to open water. Visitors must purchase a Marine Park entrance tag and income generated through the sale of the tags goes directly towards the management of the marine protected area.
General Island Information
English is the most commonly spoken language along with a local dialect.
Tourists often use accommodations such as hotels, guesthouses, villas, and timeshares.
Rental cars are the primary mode of transportation for visitors staying on island.
The island is located along the intertropical convergence zone, it is occasionally threatened by tropical storm activity in the late summer and early fall.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Trinidad and Tobago's population stands at 1,328,019 People of African and Indian descent comprise the majority of the population, with people of mixed race, European, Chinese and Middle Eastern ancestry adding diversity to our ethnic mix.
The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar. US dollars are widely accepted at an approximate rate of TT $6 to US $1 and you can find rate information at local banks, or the daily newspapers. Euro's and the Pound Sterling (GBP) are not as widely accepted as US dollars. Traveler's checks and international credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and malls. ATM machines are located at the airport, banks, malls, cities and towns.
The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English, but Spanish and to a lesser extent French patois, Hindi and Chinese is spoken by some segments of the population through culture and heritage.
Trinidad and Tobago are the most southern islands in the Caribbean, located a mere seven miles off Venezuela's north eastern coast. The islands are a 3 hour and 19 minute flight from Miami, 4 1/2 hours from New York and 58 minutes from Caracas.
Climate & Weather: Trinidad and Tobago has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average daytime temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius. Our islands have two main seasons, the Dry Season, from January to May and the Rainy Season, from June to December. In the Rainy Season, mornings are usually sunny, followed by rainy afternoons and fair nights. During this time, our general rainfall pattern is interrupted by days of brilliant sunshine.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
